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November 7, 2003

ATARI

Back in my childhood days, I used to sit in front of the Atari computer and watch my brother play games for hours. Pong, Asteroids, Space Invaders - you name it, we used to play it, but as with any form of technology, times change. Out came the ZX 48k Spectrum, followed by the 128k, then the Sega Master System, the Mega Drive, SNES, PlayStation, X-Box, Game Cube - the list goes on. Those original computer games that we knew and loved were soon forgotten - banished to second hand electrical shops, discontinued from production and soon to vanish from existence.

I was trundling around Sainsbury's this evening, looking at all the Christmas products they'd drafted in, when one in particular caught my eye. I couldn't believe it. There, in all it's glory, was an Atari joystick. It was one of those 50-games-in-one products, but it had all the old favourites on and pictures to go with it.

I picked one up, gazed longingly at the action pictures of Asteroids and Pong, and flicked the packaging over, my eyes bulging with excitement.

"The ideal Christmas present, FIFTY classic games in one small joystick" it boasted. 'FIFTY!' I thought, as I looked at the pictures once more.

The text continued.... "a definite must-have, this really is an excellent gift"....

I was about to put one in my trolley when I read the final sentence. Disheartened, I replaced the product back on the shelf. It read.....

"a blast from mum and dad's past".....

Posted by jonola14 at November 7, 2003 9:32 PM